This paper presents an empirical investigation of the appropriateness of distance as a determinant of international transport costs by using Philippine import data. This study addresses three specific questions. First, does distance really matter in the determination of transport costs? Second, if distance is a significant factor, what is the magnitude of its impact? Third, does the impact of distance on transport costs vary by commodity? Results indicate that while distance is important in determining transport costs, using distance alone as the proxy of international transport costs is insufficient, and such use underestimates the impact of distance on international transport costs. Results also indicate that the impact of distance varies across commodity groups, but it is difficult to precisely determine the direction and the magnitude of this impact.
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Paper provided by Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO) in its series IDE Discussion Papers with number
60.
Length: Date of creation: Apr 2006 Date of revision: Publication status: Published in IDE Discussion Paper. No. 60. 2006.4 Handle: RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper60
Find related papers by JEL classification: F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Country and Industry Studies of Trade L91 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Transportation: General
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